Maloney Votes to Increase Access to Mental Health Care

Washington, D.C.- Today, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) voted to reauthorize and expand more than 30 vital mental health care programs. The Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act will provide funding to new and existing mental health programs to improve access to mental health care and substance use disorder treatment programs.

"When it comes to mental health, we need to put our money where our mouth is. While reducing stigma is essential, it will only go so far if most Americans don't have access to the care they need," said Rep. Maloney. "Today, I was proud to vote for the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act to invest in our nation's mental health care and ensure all Americans have access to care. This vital legislation supports all forms of mental health, including care for children and teens, maternal mental health care, and treatment for addiction. With this bill, we will take an enormous step forward in addressing mental health and addiction."

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Background on H.R.7666, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act:

• H.R. 7666 was passed by a vote of 402 - 20.
• The Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act:

• Reauthorizes existing mental health programs to strengthen the mental health care workforce and expand access to mental health services.
• Establishes treatment services for maternal mental health and substance use disorders through grant funding.
• Expands patient access to life-saving narcotic drugs used to treat opioid use disorder.
• Provides funding to states to ensure compliance with mental health parity in insurance and applies those parity requirements to state and local government workers.
• Establishes a Behavioral Health Crisis Coordination Office within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand access to crisis care.

• Full text of the legislation is available [here].

Rep. Maloney's Recent Work on Mental Health:

Rep. Maloney has always fought to invest in mental health care and addiction recovery and prevention efforts. He helped secure major investments in mental health in this year's government funding legislation and additional funding for local care centers.

• Funding for Mental Health in 2022 Federal Budget:
  • Over $140 million for suicide prevention:
    • $101.6 million for the Suicide Lifeline to support the implementation of the Lifeline's new 988 number
    • $38.8 million for Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention grants
  • Over $200 million for mental health resources for children and schools:
    • $120 million for Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education)
    • $81.8 million for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative
  • More information on these investments is available [here].
• Funding for Local Care:
  • Rep. Maloney delivered $1.2 million in funding to the Poughkeepsie Family Partnership Center for critical repairs to the facility, including safety measures and roof repairs.
  • The Center houses numerous programs and services including primary health care, behavioral health services, youth programming, education, services for the homeless, and emergency food provisions.
  • The Center receives over 70,000 annual client visits.

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